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A Note About Featured Lots

These are featured items that will be sold in our next auction, and are only a few examples of the hundreds of lots we will be selling then. Our full-color catalog illustrating all lots w/ detailed descriptions and conditions is usually shipped about two weeks before each sale; an online version is also posted around that time.

Few American stoneware forms are as evocative and expressive as those referrred to as "face vessels". Examples produced in the North, South, and Midwest grace the shelves of some of the finest Americana collections in the country, and few native ceramic objects have traversed the pottery arena into the folk art realm like this captivating form. This harvest or monkey jug exhibits classic Remmey family traits, and was produced in Philadelphia by Henry Harrison Remmey or his son, Richard C. Remmey, likely prior to the latter's ascendance as owner of the family enterprise. Featuring a piercing countenance on both sides, this extremely rare object is possibly the first Remmey example to come to auction since the important John Gordon Sale at Christie's in 1999, in which a broken and reglued jug was sold.

English-born Richard G. Simkin (c. 1822 - 1868), the jug's recipient, owned several hotels in Philadelphia, including the prominent Wetherill Hotel located on Sansom Street in close proximity to Independence Hall. Period documents often list him as "R. G. Simkin", as inscribed on this vessel.

Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor approximately twenty years ago. H (to top of handle) 7 1/2".

Pieces bearing this iconic figural motif are among the finest products of the Newport, Pennsylvania pottery of Michael and Theophilus Miller. It has been suggested that the distinctive man with mustache and goatee (found on a few select examples of Miller stoneware) may represent one or both of the brothers. To our knowledge, this jar is the finest example of Newport, PA stoneware to come to auction since a signed birdhouse was sold through our firm in 2006.

Important Crolius Eagle. Exceedingly Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed and Cobalt-Highlighted Federal Eagle and Incised Foliate Decorations, Stamped "C. CROLIUS / MANHATTAN, WELLS / NEW-YORK," circa 1800-1815. An excellent example of early Manhattan stoneware in all respects, this jar epitomizes America's growing independence as a domestic pottery producer. The impressed eagle on this jar is the first we have seen on an example of Crolius stoneware: a purely-American motif from a member of one of the nation's founding potting families. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently discovered in the Northeastern U.S.

Applied decorations include a central bearded man with cobalt highlights, a large rattlesnake handle with cobalt-highlighted belly, a large striped lizard, two additional snakes, and a spider. Brushed designs of a jug and sailing ship appear on the left side of the jug, applied in a diluted Albany slip or faded brown cold paint.

Stone's work is quite possibly Texas stoneware at its finest. His most expressive creations are his temperance jugs, which mimicked the style of Illinois' Anna Pottery, where Stone was previously employed. With its unusually small size, nicely-glazed surface, and well-preserved central figure, this example is the best of the three Stone temperance jugs we have had the privilege of offering over the years.

A very interesting addition to this jug is its price of $10.00, incised at the base. It is often unclear whether special pieces such as this were always presentation or advertising items, or whether they were actually made available for sale. The $10.00 price on this jug, while possibly tongue-in-cheek, suggests that Stone may have actually tried to sell some of his work as a novelty or art form. Ten dollars in 1870 is roughly equivalent to $175 today.

Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which descended in the family of the consignor. This jug was eagerly sought by pioneer collector and scholar, Georgeanna Grier, although the owner was unwilling to sell at the time. It was also featured on the first season of the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow.

Exceptional Commeraw Jar. Exceedingly Rare Half-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Incised Floral Decoration, Stamped "COERLEARS HOOK" and "N. YORK," Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, New York, late 18th century. H 8".
This petite Manhattan jar is the smallest example of incised Commeraw stoneware we have seen bearing the elusive "COERLEARS HOOK" mark, used during the potter's first years of production. Its vertical-handled form and delicate incised floral motifs on both sides are characteristic of Commeraws' earliest and best work. Certainly the greatest example of early Commeraw stoneware we have ever offered, as well as one of the finest examples of 18th century stoneware we have had the privilege of handling.

Cowden Masterpiece. Outstanding Four-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Profuse Cobalt Flowering Urn Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865.
This jug's exceptional cobalt decoration ranks among the most exuberant of all known Cowden & Wilcox designs. The exquisite flowering urn motif, reminiscent of the artistic designs of Rochester and Lyons, New York, suggest the decoration was executed or inspired by Shem Thomas, a New-York-trained potter who was active at Harrisburg's Filbert Street Pottery for many years. The employment of a slip cup to decorate this jug is an unusual, primarily-early technique on Harrisburg stoneware.

This historically-significant new discovery is appealing on a number of levels, exhibiting strong decoration, wonderful size and form, and a particularly early age, made sometime in the years before or after the American Revolution. Few incised examples of American-made stoneware from this time period have survived, and each new intact find is to be considered a noteworthy and informative object of colonial material culture. The full-bodied flask form, essentially potted as a miniature jug without handle, is virtually unknown in American stoneware production. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently found in Pennsylvania. H 4 1/4".

Important New Jersey Water Cooler. Four-Gallon Ovoid Stoneware Water Cooler with Incised Foliate Decoration, Stamped "L. APPLEBY. N.J*," Leonard Appleby, Old Bridge, NJ, circa 1825.
Leonard Appleby's life is detailed in the 1882 book, History of Union and Middlesex Counties with Biographical Sketches of Many of their Prominent Men, edited by W. Woodford Clayton. According to this account, Appleby, born in New York City in 1798, traveled to Old Bridge, NJ to work as a clerk for his uncle, Obadiah Herbert, prior to 1812. In 1821, Appleby married Ann Amanda Fitzallen van Wickle, the daughter of pottery operator, Jacob van Wickle, and Sarah Morgan van Wickle. Appleby's biographical sketch states that he later "dealt extensively in lime, and embarked in the manufacture of pottery and fanning-mills [and] began soon after the snuff and tobacco business. . ." (Clayton, History of Union and Middlesex Counties, p. 782).
Appleby is most well-known for his involvement in the tobacco business, primarily as part of the firm "APPLEBY & HELME", for which many stoneware advertising jars were produced. While it has previously been suggested that this cooler was made as a gift for Leonard Appleby, based on the information provided in his biography, it is more than likely a piece produced at a short-lived pottery owned by Appleby. If truly made at a pottery owned by Appleby, the stamp on this cooler should be regarded as one of the rarest maker's marks from the region.
While significant in its rarity and origin, this example also carries great decorative appeal with its elegant form and finely-incised leaves in the classic Old Bridge style.

One of the most coveted Bell family forms, and exceptionally difficult-to-find as a matched pair. Both spaniels feature a heavy streaked lead-and-manganese glaze over an orange clay ground and excellent incised details to the face, ears, and paws. Left spaniel impressed twice with "JOHN BELL" maker's mark on underside. Right spaniel impressed three times with "JOHN BELL" maker's mark on underside. Surviving in remarkable condition, this pair is only the second we have ever offered. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market pair, purchased in Pennsylvania during the 1970s. H (of each) 8 3/4".

Bell Tin-Glazed Masterpiece. Monumental Six-Gallon Tin-Glazed Redware Jar with Profuse Brushed Cobalt Floral and Sponged Decoration, Stamped "I. BELL," John Bell, Chambersburg or Waynesboro, PA, circa 1830. H 14 3/8".
This jar ranks among the most profusely-decorated examples of Bell family pottery known. Adding greatly to its significance is the use of an opaque white tin glaze over the surface, which modeled itself after fine European delftware. Relatively few examples of 19th century American tin-glazed pottery are known, among them a small number of Bell family products. These include a highly important inkstand, produced by John Bell in 1825, while still active at his father's shop in Winchester, VA, believed to be the earliest documented example of American tin glaze, as well as a cake mold with cobalt floral and sponged decoration, bearing the Winchester, VA mark of John's brother, Samuel. This jar is possibly the largest and most ornate example of American tin-glazed pottery known. Coupled with its exceptional glaze, decoration, and size, is a wonderful early form with ribbed pocket handles. Arguably the most important piece of John Bell redware to come to auction in many years. Provenance: From an eighty-five year private collection.

Important Boston Indian. Exceedingly Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Indian Motif, Stamped Twice "BOSTON.," attributed to Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, circa 1795. This historically-significant jar features a wonderful impressed design of a standing Indian with feathered headdress, belted tunic, and mocassins, holding a bow and downward-pointing arrow, beside a five-pointed star.
The distinctive Indian motif on this jar is based upon the State Seal of Massachusetts, designed in 1780 by a man named Nathan Cushing and engraved by Boston native, Paul Revere. Revere based his design on the following instructions: "An Indian dressed in his shirt, mogossins, belted proper- in his right hand a bow- in his left, an arrow, its point toward the base, on the dexter side of Indian's head, a star for one of the United States of America. . ." (Elbridge Henry Goss, The Life of Colonel Paul Revere, p. 429). One of the finest examples of early Boston stoneware to come to auction in years.

Stunning Stetzenmeyer. Exceptional Six-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Profuse Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "F. STETZENMEYER. / ROCHESTER, NY," circa 1850. This crock typifies why Frederick Stetzenmeyer's work is considered some of the finest-decorated of all 19th century American stoneware products. One of the most heavily-decorated examples of Stetzenmeyer stoneware known.

Exceedingly Rare and Important One-Gallon Lidded Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Rabbit Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG. PA," circa 1865. The rabbit is one of the rarest native animal designs found on American stoneware; this jar features arguably the finest representation of the animal to come to auction in years.

Incised bird decorations from Manhattan are considered scarce, and this example is one of the finest to come to auction in years, exhibiting excellent color and measuring an impressive eight inches from bill to tail.
Adding import to this piece is its strong similarity to a notorious small-sized jug, previously in the collection of noted folk art collector, Barry Cohen, which sold at Sotheby's in 2006 for $90,000 (excluding buyer's premium). Bearing the incised date July 4, 1802, the ex-Cohen jug features a distinctive bird likely by the same hand or school as this example, including a turned head, circular eye, and nearly-identical wing detail.

This iconic crock belongs to a small group of highly-prized "epitaph crocks" produced at the Brown Brothers operation, regarded as the pottery's finest works. According to the book, USEFUL ART: LONG ISLAND POTTERY, by Cynthia Arps Corbett, the inscription on this crock probably "refers to the John Payne homestead in East Hampton. Payne, who wrote the song, 'Home Sweet Home,' was the focus of a sentimental movement on Long Island in the late nineteenth century" (Corbett, p. 44). Certainly one of the finest examples of Long Island pottery to come to auction in years.

Very Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Berries Decoration, Stamped "BROWN. BROTHERS / HUNTINGTON. L.I.," circa 1863-1870. Literature: Cynthia Arps Corbett, USEFUL ART: LONG ISLAND POTTERY, Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, 1985. Pictured and discussed on p. 42, this crock is described as one of two known with berry decoration at the time of the book's writing.

Few pieces are known bearing the mark of William Addison Lynn, owner of the Big Hunting Creek Pottery in Mechanicstown, MD, circa 1876-1881. The majority of signed examples are highly utilitarian in nature, primarily flowerpots and unglazed jars. This whimsical pitcher, with its delicate potting, incised surface, and applied knots and sawed limbs, ranks among the most decorative Lynn pieces known. According to H.E. Comstock's The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, this form may have been produced by Anthony Weis Bacher or his protege, James C. Mackley, at Lynn's shop. Its rustic surface can be found on a number of other Bacher products. Provenance: From an eighty-five year private collection. H 7 1/2".

Rare Anna Pottery Stoneware Frog Paperweight with Coleslaw-Decorated Base, Signed "Anna, Ills.," Wallace and Corwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1875. The use of a smaller-sized molded frog and early-style signature, "Anna, Ills.", indicates this scarce form was made relatively early in the Kirkpatricks' employment of the frog as a decorative element. The use of extruded clay pieces as grass on the base is a very unusual treatment among known Kirpatrick products. Provenance: Recently discovered in England, this paperweight possibly traveled across the Atlantic with its previous owner as an American souvenir. Diameter 3 3/4".

Manhattan Rarity. Important Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Drape and Tassel Decoration, Stamped "D. MORGAN / N. YORK," Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY origin, circa 1800. This jar features an elusive early David Morgan maker's mark and an impressed decoration, which more closely relates to the designs of Thomas Commeraw than Morgan's typical work. Note that, in Morgan's work, two distinct swag stamps of different sizes are used. We can find only one other auction record of a lesser piece bearing the "D. MORGAN / N. YORK" maker's mark to sell in the last decade or more. This jar is irrefutably one of the rarest examples of signed Manhattan stoneware to come to auction in years.

Scarce and Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Incised Floral Decoration, Manhattan, NY origin, circa 1790-1800. Incised decorations of this decorative quality are rarely found on Manhattan jugs of this small size. The hand that executed the incising is strikingly similar to that seen on signed Thomas Commeraw examples, and was possibly rendered by him. H 11 1/2".

Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Decoration of a Goateed Soldier or Hunter with Rifle, probably Midwestern U.S. or New Jersey origin, circa 1860-1880. Excellent folk art representation of the human form. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently found in the Midwestern U.S.

Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, consigned from the West Coast.

Literature: For discussion of this Meaders form, see John Burrison, Brothers in Clay, University of Georgia Press, 2008, p. 273; Similar vase pictured on cover of John Burrison, From Mud to Jug, University of Georgia Press with the Folk Pottery Museum of Northern Georgia, 2010.

This outstanding jar is one of a few known examples bearing the mark of Roundabout (now Sayreville), New Jersey potter, Xerxes Price. Price is perhaps most well known for a body of work bearing impressed decorative medallions, including a sun face, conjoined hearts, and various floral motifs. One or a few important pieces bearing Price's maker's mark along with one of these distinctive designs has led to such attributions.

This jar, exceedingly rare with the signature alone, is made all the more significant with its use of freehand incised decoration. In our research, we can find no other examples of a signed or attributed Xerxes Price jar with freehand incised decoration. This example may serve as a basis for further attribution. The elegant motif on the front, as well as the form of the jar itself, can be related to the Manhattan, NY style of the time period. The use of a central heart adds greatly to the jar's decorative appeal. This recently-discovered example is believed to be the first piece of signed Xerxes Price stoneware to come to auction in at least fifteen years.
Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently found in the Western U.S.

Rare and Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Fish Decoration, attributed to Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, circa 1795. Excellent detail to fish on both sides. Provenance: Consigned as part of a collection assembled during the 1980s.

18th Century Keg. Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Keg with Incised Cobalt Foliate Decoration and Brushed Cobalt Highlights, Incised "ND 1796," New Jersey origin. Few intact examples of American stoneware bearing 18th century dates are known. This example may have celebrated the twentieth anniversary of America's independence. Provenance: Decades-old tags affixed to one end of the cooler describe it as a "PUNCH KEG" from the collection of early stoneware scholar, W. Oakley Raymond Collection. H 11".

Highly Unusual Five-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration and Original Air Hole, attributed to Henry H. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1830. This recently-discovered cooler includes an original hole at the shoulder, presumably designed to allow air flow for easy pouring when the cooler held a lid. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, found among the contents of a Baltimore County, MD farm.

Scarce Lot of Five Graduated Stoneware Crocks with Cobalt Floral Decorations, Brown Brothers, Huntington, Long Island, New York, circa 1870. An assembled group of five crocks with nearly-identical Brown Brothers floral motifs, ranging in size from two gallons to six gallons, to be sold in a single lot.

Extremely Rare and Fine Morgantown School Redware Jar, Stamped "WM W BURCHNELL / LONDON," Madison County, OH origin, circa 1835. William Burchnell was evidently trained in Morgantown, Virginia (now West Virginia), and joined fellow Morgantown potter, James M. Thompson, Jr., in London, Ohio by 1830, establishing a pottery on the site of the town's Presbyterian Church. This colorfully-glazed jar is one of a few signed examples of Burchnell pottery known. H 10".

Exceptional Donaghho Jar. Very Rare Stoneware Canning or Tobacco Jar with Stenciled Cobalt Eagle Decoration, Stenciled "A.P. Donaghho, / Fredericktown, / Pa.," circa 1870.
This jar is the first example of this particular form we have seen bearing Donaghho stenciling. Its impressive large size and lack of the usual wax sealer rim suggests this jar may have been designed to hold another material, perhaps tobacco, rather than the usual preserved fruits and vegetables. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently found in the Midwestern U.S. H 10 1/2".

A tour-de-force of Victorian-era incised decoration, this whimsical pitcher includes the following designs: a painter brushing the firm name "Fulper Bro & Co"; a dog chasing a cat up a tree; a dog with cat beside a brick wall; a dog chasing a hissing cat with onlooking top-hatted man behind a garden fence; a cat catching a mouse; and inscriptions for the pitcher's use, which read "ice Water" and "Lemonade".

The penmanship on this pitcher relates to that found on many of the advertising script jugs produced at the Fulper establishment. This example ranks among the finest examples of Fulper Bristol-glazed stoneware known, and a wonderful example of New Jersey advertising, which promotes the pottery itself. H 8 3/4".

Gorgeous Greensboro Jar. Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Profuse Cobalt Fuchsia Decoration, Inscribed "Five.," attributed to James or William Leet Hamilton, Greensboro, PA, circa 1860. This striking example includes top-to-bottom brushwork in the early Greensboro style as well as the unusual inscription "Five." at base. One of the finest examples of "pre-stencil" stoneware from this potting city we have offered.

Ohio Folk Sculpture. Exceptional Stoneware Harvest Jug with Profuse Applied Animal and Human Decorations, Incised "E.A.H," Ohio origin, circa 1880. This striking example of American ceramic folk art is one of the most ambitiously-decorated stoneware objects with applied work we have seen. The body of the jug includes the following hand-modeled and molded applied designs: a heavily-incised handle in the form of an alligator devouring a frog; two spouts in the forms of a fish and a periwinkle shell; a large design of a tippling man with jug; an elaborate applied grape vine; a molded grape cluster finial; and a large molded eagle with cornucopias and banner, inscribed "NE PLUS ULTRA", roughly translating to "THE ULTIMATE IN QUALITY". Similar eagle motifs can be found on several fine examples of Ohio stoneware known, including an eight-gallon water cooler offered in this auction. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example purchased approximately 30 years ago at Garth's Auction, where it was featured as a cover lot for the catalog. H (to top of handle) 11 1/2".

Baltimore Rarity. Possibly Unique Lidded Stoneware Tobacco Jar with Knob Handles and Cobalt Floral Decoration, Baltimore, MD origin, circa 1860. An exciting new discovery in Maryland pottery, this jar is the first example of its style we have seen. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, found in a New York City apartment. H 7 1/4".

Exceptional Tanware Pitcher. Extremely Rare Ornately-Formed Tanware Pitcher with Lavish Freehand Fuchsia and Drape Decoration, Greensboro or New Geneva, PA origin, circa 1880. One of the finest tanware pitchers to come to auction in years, this example features outstanding decoration and a highly unsual form modeled after finer ceramics of the period. Certainly one of the most heavily-decorated tanware objects known. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market examples, purchased by the consignor twenty or more years ago. H 7 1/2" ; Diameter (at base) 4".

Rare and Fine One-Gallon Ochre-Decorated Stoneware Jar with Impressed and Coggled Designs, Stamped "T.W. J.L," Thomas Warne and Joshua Letts, South Amboy, NJ, early 19th century. Provenance: From a small Northeastern U.S. collection assembled during the 1950s-1990s, consigned to this auction.

Fine and Very Rare Rockingham-Glazed Anna Pottery Pig Flask with Incised Railroad Map, Incised "from / Sanford Wells & Co. / N 215 N. Main St. / St. Louis Mo. / With a little Fine old Bourbon in a," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1885. This pig survives as one of a relatively small number of Anna Pottery pigs with Rockingham glaze known. It includes a wonderful boldly-spotted surface and particularly crisp incising. Due to the nature of Rockingham glazes, most Anna pigs with this surface tend to have fainter inscriptions. L 7".

A Rare Pair. Highly Unusual Stoneware Conjoined Cups with Profuse Cobalt Vining and Stripe Decoration, Western PA origin, circa 1880. Possibly made for a marriage, and featuring two iconic Western PA motifs (vining and stripes), this form is the first example we have seen in American stoneware. H 2 3/8" ; L (across both cups) 6 7/8".

Exceptional Starface. Extremely Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Cobalt Starface Decoration, Stamped "JORDAN," New York State origin, third quarter 19th century. One of the finest examples of Jordan, NY stoneware to come to auction in years. Provenance: Descended in a New York State family.

Important New Jersey Inkwell. Very Rare Yellow-Glazed Redware Inkwell with Sgraffito Inscriptions "S. Halsey" and "Sparta 1824", Signed on underside "B.T. Van? / Manufacturer / Sparta", New Jersey origin, circa 1824. Dr. Seymour Halsey, the inkwell's owner, was born in 1802 in Monroe, Morris County, NJ and studied as an apprentice to a doctor in Morristown. He opened his practice in Sparta, New Jersey in 1824, and this inkwell, which bears this date, was likely made to commemorate this event. Outstanding color and desirable form. New Jersey redware objects of this decorative quality and importance are rarely found. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, from an inkwell collection amassed over the last thirty years, consigned to this auction ; Crocker Farm, Inc. Auction, November 3, 2007, Lot #106. H 2 3/4" ; Diameter 4 1/4".

An outstanding, recently-discovered work by the enslaved African-American potter, Dave, this churn is one of a very few signed and dated examples of the form by this celebrated potter.

According to Goldberg and Witkowski’s groundbreaking article in Ceramics in America 2006, entitled Beneath his Magic Touch: The Dated Vessels of the African-American Slave Potter Dave, the potter generally dated a single piece each day. According to the authors' list of dated Dave pieces, this churn was made the same day as another dated jar, a highly unusual occurrence among his known body of work. Attesting to the rarity of this form, among the 169 signed and dated Dave pieces in Goldberg and Witkowski's article, no churn forms are mentions. This auction offers an almost unique opportunity to acquire one of Dave's most elusive utilitarian forms.

Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example from a Southeastern Virginia collection, this churn was purchased by the consignor's mother several decades ago and has remained in the family's possession since that time. H 16 1/4".

The subject matter of this flask, including mention of its recipient and commissioner, is also highly unusual. The "Steamer Fleetwood", the commissioner of this flask, was a passenger and packet steamboat active along the Ohio River during the second half of the 19th century. Various biographies and period newspaper advertisements mention this ship making stop-offs at a variety of major cities throughout the Midwestern and Southcentral U.S. The Cincinnati Weekly Times, the pig's recipient, was an Ohio newspaper operating into the 1880s. While the exact purpose of the gift is unknown, one can surmise that the Cincinnati Weekly Times was frequently delivered to the Fleetwood and sold to its numerous passengers. The gift was likely presented out of gratitude for a mutually beneficial business relationship. Of humorous note is the fact that the penis of the pig is landmarked as "Ohio River", The Fleetwood's major operating center, and the end of the penis is described as "Cincinnati the Great Porkopolis of the world", the hometown of the newspaper for which the flask was made. Such tongue-in-cheek inscriptions, found a number of Kirkpatrick products, typify the brothers' distinctive sense of humor.

One of the finest Anna pig flasks we have offered in recent years. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which descended in a Midwestern family. L 8".

Exceptional Swank Pitcher. Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral and Incised Line Decoration, Stamped "J. SWANK & CO. / JOHNSTOWN, PA" and Incised "JACOB J. Swank" and "J.J.S.," circa 1870. An artistically-crafted example with incised line accents and strong cobalt brushwork, this pitcher is the only example we have seen bearing an incised signature of Jacob J. Swank. His obituary, presented in the April 2, 1921 edition of The Johnstown Tribune, states that he was a Civil War veteran, active at Gettysburg, who "following the war. . . went to work for his brothers, the late Samuel and Hiram in the Swank Pottery on Morris Street". Provenance: Recently found in Virginia.